headache in raised intracranial pressure

Last reviewed 08/2023

The characteristic features of the headache in raised intracranial pressure are:

• generalised ache over cranium
• worst on awakening - the brain is relatively poorly supplied by oxygen as a result of hypoventilation during the sleeping hours
• may awaken patient from sleep
• aggravated by bending, stooping
• severity gradually progresses

The headache is associated with:

• nausea and vomiting
• obscurations - transient loss of vision - with sudden change in posture; indicates markedly elevated intracranial pressure
• eventually, impaired conscious level

Investigation should be with a CT scan.